Decision Time: 3DS or Vita?

Firstly, apologies if this is a dupe, I have tried to use the search option on my mobile and it just wasn't working.

Anyways, just had a Ł190 tax refund (woop) which is a perfect sum to pick up a portable console, can anyone who owns either or both recommend one for me?

To give a bit more info, I did have a DS so I do have a back catalogue to play, I also have a PS3 so I could dig into the PSP stuff and the cross-platform stuff as well.

I really like RPGs so I can see that the 3DS would be good as it's got Pokémon and Monster Hunter for the foreseeable future but the sheer number of other quality RPGs in the PSP back catalogue is obscene.

The Vita has very little exclusive to offer imo and there isn't much on the horizon. It's a lovely bit of kit, but its dreadfully supported.

The 3DS has a couple of essential games and then some very good ones. It's also truly portable, easily slips into a pocket, whereas the Vita is a chunky beast with a glorious screen you don't want to harm.

Heck, if you're after RPGs you could get a 3DS and very cheap PSP for the back catalogue.

Given how bad the vita is doing, I'd expect that 3ds will hold its value. So might be better to buy a 3ds, play the best games. Then by time you go to sell it the vita might have dropped in price/have some dirt cheap games

I'd always look at the software. I'd express a preference for 3DS as I prefer the software available, but if you look at what's out for Vita and think you'd prefer those then go for it Both have plenty to enjoy so I don't think there's a wrong answer.

I've got both, haven't played the 3DS since probably a couple of months after buying it at launch, play the vita quite regularly.

The Vita's bigger, but I've usually got a bag being a complete Wendy so it's no big deal. I've found quite a lot on the Vita and I actually have a backlog. Having never owned a PSP helps I think. The value for money represented by Sony's Banzai suicidal PS+ deal is frankly astounding. Smacks of desperation and everybody knows Sony's in trouble but fuck it, nothing lasts for ever and it's suiting me fine.

For my tastes, there's been *nothing* on the 3DS that caught my attention. Found the 3DS uncomfortable to play on for any length of time, and the USP of 3D is a non-event. Their online PSN-a-like was also a overpriced and limited, though I haven't looked at it for ages.

Obviously opinions are like arseholes, you mileage may vary. See which has the games that suit you tastes and go with that.

Got both, play the vita lots and the 3ds not for months. 3ds battery is poor, vita's is decent and sleep mode doesn't drain like the 3ds. Screen on the vita is much nicer, after a while I don't even notice the 3d effect but I don't at the cinema either - I feel 3d will be a passing fad. I'd say the analogue stick on the 3ds is better, but you only get one as standard. Vita feels like luxury goods compared to the 3ds, and the games available are much more to my liking right now. It'll be interesting to see the sales figures for the Xmas period, there's a fair bit o anecdotal evidence that its sales are picking up and plenty of people here have taken the plunge recently, myself included.

I sold my first 3ds a month after getting it, I've not had that remorse with the vita.

I got a Vita yesterday. It's probably dead already but the hardware is brilliant and there's a good back catalog of games already if you include PS One and PSP games. Plus the screen is brilliant, it's good (and big) enough to watch videos on. It's easy to see why it's failed, but it's still a shame.